Bradley Brown loves violence and taking a life is easy for him. He's used to getting away with murder, but all that changes, when Joseph Aku, the guy that was meant to be his only true friend, provides evidence for the prosecution, resulting in Bradley being sent to prison for thirty years. Joseph may think that it's all over, but Bradley would wait forever and a day to serve his revenge, because his taste for vengeance never expires. Betrayal, corruption, a cycle of violence and loss of life, on the streets of London. Where the police sometimes play by their own rules.
Jay Word writes emotionally charged thrillers with themes of crime, trauma, and dysfunctional families. Word shows how unlikely relationships can be formed through victimisation. The mothers in her stories have their own issues, and we see how these can affect their parenting.
Nobody can be trusted in the worlds that Word creates and real-life problems like crime, corruption, and child abuse are explored with diverse and inclusive characters.
Word tells her stories from the perspective of the victims and perpetrators, and she does this well. You will question everyone and everything after reading a book written by Jay Word.
Word also writes poetry. This form of writing preceeded her fiction, but it was only after losing years of unseen work that wasn’t backed up, and turning to poetry to help deal with the loss of all her personal possessions in a fire in June 2024, that she felt compelled to share her poetic craft. Word's poetry reflects some of the trauma explored in her fiction works.
Word's books are free to read with Kindle Unlimited. Purchase paperbacks from Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, or direct from author website www.jaywordauthor.com
If you’re looking for a gritty crime thriller that doesn't pull any punches, this one is a must-read. The story follows Bradley Brown, a ruthless man fueled by a thirty-year-old grudge after being betrayed by his best friend, Joseph Aku. It’s a raw look in the underworld where trust is non-existent and the cycle of violence feels inevitable.
What really stands out is how the author handles the characters. Bradley isn't exactly a "good guy," but the use of multiple perspectives helps you understand the trauma and pain driving his obsession with revenge, especially with his morals while being a criminal. The character voices are so distinct and "scarily impressive" that you’ll know exactly who is speaking without even looking at the chapter headings.
It’s a short, intense read that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Between the realistic atmosphere of London’s streets and a jaw-dropping ending involving a shocking identity twist, it’s a street level version of john wick focusing more on the psychological obsession of a man with revenge. It’s a powerful reminder that in this world, karma eventually catches up to everyone.
A fast paced thriller set in the gritty underbelly of London, where injustice and corruption flow freely. This is a short story but that gives a powerful insight into how certain choices could ruin entire lives.
I found this a very intriguing story, not only for the plot, but for the underlying messages. Everyone has a choice, even in the direst circumstances and what you decide to do with what you have or what you are given in life is what really counts. The main characters in this story choose to walk a dangerous path, partly because they feel pushed to do it, given the colour of their skin, and partly due to the feeling of power it brings with it. But when Joseph betrays Bradley, a vile chain of events is set in motion which will last for decades. Bradley has only revenge in his eyes and heart and it won’t be at peace until it has it, even at the cost of his family. But it is karma that will get back at everyone in the end, even the corrupted police force that think they can get away with racism and bribery just because of their status.
This is a short but strong story, written in the first person, with a language reflective of the different characters speaking, which I found authentic and uncomfortable at times, but appreciated nonetheless. If you want a quick read about the consequences of bad choices and revenge, then you might want to try this one.
Thanks to the author and Bookworm Books PR for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
If only Bradley had chosen peace, this wouldn't have had to happen. But Mad Brad loved problems more than he appreciated peace and now I was going to give him a big fucking problem.
Let's talk about Bradley. I'd say he's the worst and that I hate him, but he has some principles he's very strict about as well as lines he'll never cross, so I can't really bring myself to do that. That's something I've noticed quite a bit in Jay's novels- characters that you have strong mixed feelings about. Characters who'd 100% not hesitate to pull a hit-and-run, but at the same time help an old lady cross the road amidst heavy traffic. Like grey in a world full of black and white.
One thing I'm extremely impressed about is the voice the characters have. The language style of their narration and their choice of words? You don't need to check the chapter header to know whose POV it is in. You'll know. It's scarily impressive, just how immaculate the character voices are. I mean this as a compliment of the highest level, mind you ❤️🔥
Another thing I feel the need to mention: I have only heard of how bad the racism is in some countries. As a person of colour, I'll say it: I don't think it matters what color your skin is or what culture you belong to; at the end of the day, you're all human beings. Hatred of that sort never made any sense to me. And reading the chapters in this book, especially that of the racist police officer, boiled my blood. How does one even see the world from such a rotten perspective? It was uncomfortable to read, but I also feel like that's the way one should feel reading it. I once read a quote that said "art must comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable", and I think books like this one either make you feel seen, or open your eyes to how unfair society can be to some of us. We need more books like this. More books shedding light on these perspectives, and less incidents in real life where people are made to feel like this.
also, can I get a membership to jay word's thriller fan club already? how is it possible that I've read 4 of her novels already and they've all been 5-star reads-?! seriously though, what do you even put in these books?! I'm obsessed 🥹❤️🔥
This Book Will Leave You Speechless! 📚✨ | Get Back Bradley by Jay Word Looking for your next page-turner? Let me introduce you to Get Back Bradley by Jay Word—a story that will steal your heart and blow your mind!
This book is a whirlwind of emotions. Bradley’s journey to redemption is raw, relatable, and completely unputdownable. 🖤✨
The twists? UNREAL. The characters? So real, they could be your neighbors. And that ending? I’m STILL thinking about it! 🤯 Get Back Bradley is THE must-read of the season. Don’t walk—RUN to get your copy today! 📚🔥
Get Back Bradley by Jay Word is a gripping story of redemption and resilience. Follow Bradley as he navigates broken relationships, buried secrets, and a journey of self-discovery to rebuild his life. Heartfelt, emotional, and unforgettable—this is a must-read!
Get Back Bradley by Jay Word is a masterpiece. If you love books that keep you hooked, THIS is it. Have you read it yet? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️
Thanks to the author Jay Word and Bookworm Books PR for sharing a copy of it to read🙂.
You see a darker side of living in London, the parts that don’t usually get highlighted.
Not only that, but what made this book even more interesting is that it also touched on various difficult/avoided topics, including but not limited to racism & drug trafficking. It highlights on how intertwined peoples lives can get when they get wrapped up in these more …negative avenues. How deep rooted & attached situations can become, and how far your past can follow you.
As someone who has watched people close to me go through addiction, and living through how it can affect those close to them, this book hit home in a lot of places. Whilst it may not highlight addiction specifically very heavily; it does highlight the intertwining system that is the drug world.
I also want to be transparent with my review, I did receive a review copy of the big. I have re-read and re-submitted this review as I had originally received the wrong copy. Jay Word (the author) was incredibly kind when she realized what had happened, and reached out to ensure I received the correct copy. While this does not impact my review at all, and this is my honest opinion, I believe it deserves a huge shoutout for how caring this author is about her work, and how quick she is to jump into action to make sure her readers are happy.
Get me back Bradley is far more than a simple character driven story. It deeply explores the themes of identity and regret. Bradley is written as a man carrying regret but not entirely. His introspection exists but it feels shallow when you put it next to what he actually does. There’s a constant gap between what he understands about himself and how he chooses to behave. One moment that really stood out was when he deliberately tries to provoke Joseph by crossing personal boundaries in a way that feels calculated and cruel. For me it totally undermines the idea that he is genuinely remorseful. You can’t claim regret while still actively feeding the same cycle of ego and retaliation. Even behind bars he never lost his need for control, revenge and his dominance continues. And even Joseph who changed himself entirely could’ve found ways to turn over a new leaf but he ended up doing the same shit again. This makes me question genuinely if anyone was ever interested in breaking the cycle. The parts I loved in this book was when he tried reconnecting with his children and providing them and his realization of how he could’ve treated them better. The pacing was good and I loved that the timelines were mentioned clearly. This book provoked my thoughts in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
A short story that gives a great insight into life on the streets of London, especially as a black male, revenge, racism and police corruption.
When Bradley is betrayed by one of the people closest to him, he his all set for revenge no matter the cost or however long it takes.
All the characters were so set on revenge that they played right into the polices hands. Karma definitely got them all in the end.
Jay Word provided the POV from multiple characters, which provided an understanding as to why they behaved the way they did. From seeing the characters' path in life and the trauma they endured, it leads you to understand the decisions they make throughout the book, whether right or wrong.
Various difficult, real-life situations were tackled well throughout the book by Jay Word.
If you enjoy short, crime books based on gangs, violence, and revenge, then give this a read 💙
Jay Word’s Get Back Bradley is a dark and intense crime story. It hooks you since first page and pull you straight into it’s world where violence feels normal, trust is fragile, and every action has consequences. The main character of story is Bradley Brown, who is ruthless and completely driven by revenge after being betrayed by the one person he trusted, Joseph Aku. What makes the story work is how clearly you can see why he becomes the way he does but you don’t always agree with him. The story is runs on the streets of London where crime, loyalty, and corruption all overlap. At many time the line between law and crime feels blurred at times, which keeps things unpredictable. The pacing stays steady throughout, with tension building as the story moves forward.
It's a book that throws you straight into a world where trust means nothing, violence feels normal and every decision comes with consequences. It immediately pulls you in because you know things are only going to get messier from there.
Bradley Brown is such an interesting main character because he’s not written to be likable & let me be very honest...he’s cold, ruthless and completely driven by revenge after being betrayed by the one person he trusted, Joseph Aku. But somehow you still want to keep reading him. You may not agree with his actions but you understand the pain and anger behind them. That made him feel more real.
I completely loved the multiple POVs as it gives more depth to everyone involve. The London crime setting adds a gritty edge, meanwhile the tension keeps building. What stayed with me most is that it’s not just about revenge...it also touches on trauma, loyalty and how violence can echo through generations
I thought this book would be a simple revenge story, but it turned out to be more layered. Bradley is a hard character to understand, and the story doesn’t really give easy answers. It’s dark, realistic, and not always comfortable to read.. but that’s what made it interesting. And i really enjoyed reading this💙
This fast-paced thriller takes readers on an intense journey filled with suspense, twists, and the harsh realities of vengeance. Told through a gripping first-person point of view, the protagonist’s emotions, thoughts, and motivations are laid bare, drawing you deep into the heart of their mission for revenge. The message “what goes around, comes around” resonates strongly throughout the book. It serves as a reminder that actions—whether good or bad—inevitably have consequences, and the line between justice and vengeance can blur in unsettling ways.
Get Back Bradley is an engaging and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The plot revolves around Bradley, a character whose past and present collide in a web of mystery and danger. Word’s writing is sharp, and the pacing never lags, which makes for an enjoyable read. The tension builds gradually, drawing readers into Bradley’s world, and the twists are satisfying without feeling overly contrived.
The character development is strong, especially for Bradley, whose internal struggles and growth are convincingly portrayed. However, some secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped, which prevents the story from reaching its full emotional depth. Still, the book is a solid choice for fans of suspense and mystery, with enough intrigue to make it a worthwhile read.
Book Review: Get Back Bradley by Jay Word – A Ruthless Tale of Blood, Betrayal, and Brutal Payback
Revenge isn’t just served cold in Get Back Bradley—it’s dished out with relentless, bone-breaking fury. Jay Word crafts a merciless narrative of betrayal, violence, and long-overdue payback that drags the reader through the blood-soaked streets of London, leaving no room for mercy.
Bradley Brown isn’t your typical antihero—he’s a walking nightmare. After rotting in prison for thirty years, thanks to his so-called best friend, Joseph Aku, he emerges not as a reformed man but as a weapon honed for vengeance. The moment he breathes free air, the countdown to carnage begins. Every page drips with tension, each chapter a ticking bomb ready to explode.
Word doesn’t just write violence—he makes you feel it. Every knuckle-cracking punch, every skull-splitting blow, every bullet tearing through flesh—it’s all raw, visceral, and unfiltered. This book doesn’t play nice. It’s a brutal, no-holds-barred ride that exposes the dark underbelly of loyalty, betrayal, and the high cost of vengeance.
For readers who crave the adrenaline rush and the gritty realism, Get Back Bradley delivers a brutal masterpiece. But be warned—this isn’t for the faint-hearted. Blood will spill, bones will break, and by the final page, you’ll be left wondering if revenge is ever truly enough.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-read for crime fiction lovers who dare to walk the bloodied path of vengeance.
I went into this book thinking I’d read a few chapters and put it aside for later, but this is one of those books that doesn’t really let you do that. It pulls you in quietly at first, and before you realise it, you’re fully caught up in Bradley’s world.
At its core, this is a story about betrayal and what it does to a person. Bradley isn’t written to be likable, and honestly, he isn’t. He’s harsh, calculated, and driven by revenge after being betrayed by the one person he trusted the most, Joseph. But what surprised me is that despite everything, I couldn’t completely hate him. There’s a certain code he follows, lines he refuses to cross, and that makes him feel uncomfortably real.
What I really enjoyed is how the book balances its crime-thriller pace with deeper emotional layers. Bradley’s time in prison, his inner conflict about reconnecting with his children, and his inability to let go of revenge; it all adds depth beyond just action. It’s not just about what he does, but why he does it.
The multiple perspectives worked beautifully for me. Each character has such a distinct voice that you don’t even need to check whose chapter you’re reading; it just flows. The London setting adds a raw, gritty edge, making the entire narrative feel grounded and intense.
That said, this isn’t a comfortable read. There are moments where you’ll disagree with Bradley, maybe even feel frustrated, but that’s what makes it engaging. It sits in that grey space between right and wrong.
Overall, this book is a gripping, thought-provoking read that explores revenge, trauma, and consequences in a way that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
🎀 If you love to read simple... crime stories with revenge and betrayal 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘆 is a good choice...This book is great for readers who like crime...friendship turning into betrayal... and strong emotions. It’s easy to read and keeps your interest....
🎀 The story is about Bradley Brown....a violent man who thinks he can never get caught.... But his best friend, Joseph Aku... betrays him and gives evidence to the police.... Bradley is sent to prison for thirty years....Still, he never forgets the betrayal and waits for his revenge..... The story shows crime... corruption...and life on the streets of London.
🎀 lastly the ending is so so much unexpected for me that when I know the actual murderer or actual crime... just a jaw dropping moment.... N I loved itttt..
Previously, i read her two poetry book both are amazing so i think to read this dark and intense crime story book and literally this book kept me hooked till the end.
This book story is about Bradley Brown. He is thirsty for revenge after he is betrayed by the one person he always considered his closest and trusted the most and he is a voilent man too who thinks he can never get caught but his best friend, Joseph Aku betrays him and gives evidence to the police. Bradley is sent to prison for thirty years.Still, he never forgets the betrayal and waits for his revenge.
This book kept me hooked till the end… the story flows so well and never feels boring. Bradley’s character is complex, and the revenge angle was handled really well.
Author Writing Style 1)The pacing of book is truly good and Steady 2)The way Author Writing this book story is totally engaging.
Book Reccomendation: 1) If you truly loved to read short crime story book which based on revenge & voilence then pick this book.
Get Back Bradley by Jay Word is a dark, psychological revenge thriller that deals with betrayal and its consequent effects. It shows the power of the human mind and how it can turn dark when one gets betrayed. In London’s underbelly, a violent top-dog Bradley Brown sees his life upender when his best-friend Joseph Aku betrays him and he ends up in prison for 30 years. What plays out is not just a revenge tale but a slow examination of obsession, pain, and how unresolved rage can eat away at the soul. Equipped with a single-minded ambition that bolsters the plot, Bradley emerges from prison both not broken but sharpened by time. The writer makes no attempt to ease Bradley’s character; he is brutish without apology. The reader can see how this came to be, if not approve. Jay Word's writing is precise and comprehensive. Word expertly utilizes picture-perfect-descriptive language, making you feel you are there. With steady swiftness, the story reveals more of a character's motive with the pacing. This book is a must-read for psychological crime thriller fans due to its raw intensity.
Crime has long been a predominant problem in the world, and no one seems immune to its ruthless grip.
Bradley was set up and betrayed by his friend Joseph, resulting in several years of imprisonment. Consumed by rage, he meticulously plotted his revenge. Even behind bars, Bradley managed to gain power and maintain contact with the outside world. However, despite Joseph's cunning ability to stay hidden, Bradley’s relentless pursuit never ceased.
But beyond the men they had become, their actions were deeply rooted in the shadows of their childhood. Innocence born in violence often grows to embrace that very darkness. And when they had children of their own, the cycle continued — a tragic inheritance of destruction.
Get Back Bradley is a gripping tale of revenge pursued at all costs, even at the expense of one’s family. No matter how carefully one hides, the past has a way of catching up. What is owed must be paid — and sometimes, the price is far greater than expected.
This book was honestly such a different read for me 👀
At first I thought it would be a normal crime story… but slowly it became much deeper than that.
Bradley is not a good person at all 😭 but the way his emotions, anger and betrayal were written made me keep reading. The betrayal from Joseph changed his whole life and after that everything became so intense.
Some scenes actually made me shocked because I wasn’t expecting those twists at all. And the ending… seriously I just sat there like WHAT 😭
I also liked that the story was short and easy to read. It never felt too slow or boring. The London street life, crime, prison moments and revenge angle made the story feel very real.
One thing I really felt while reading this book was that revenge can destroy everything slowly.
If you like crime stories with betrayal, emotions and unexpected twists then you should try this one.
If you love crime thriller than Get Back Bradley is a good choice . It keeps you hooked from the starting and pulls you into the world where line between criminal and law enforcement blur.
The story follows. Bradley Brown who thrives on violence and murder . When his best friend Joseph Aku turns against him providing evidence that sends him jail for over Thirty years Bradley is all set to take revenge no matter the cost or how long it takes .
The story provides the insight of life on the street of London especially black man , racism , revenge and corruption. The author provides pov from multiple characters that makes you to understand why they behave the way they did . .
It's a short and intense read that keeps you on the edge of the seat until the last page . The ending of the book is so unexpected . It was a jaw dropping moment .
If you enjoy crime thriller and short read than go for it .
I picked this one on a whim and holy shit! It's sooo good; and it’s honestly a dark, no-nonsense kind of read. The story follows Bradley, a violent guy who ends up in prison after being betrayed by his own friend, and is now wanting vengence. From the starting itself, the gritty and intense tone had me hooked.
One of the things that I have realised after reading 3-4 stories from this author is that her unique style is straightforward writing. She doesn't try to cover up mistakes with fancy words but instead shows every character as what they are. And that's how Bradley is portrayed over here. And the ending omgggg.
If yall love a dark crime fiction that has you on the edge throughout, then this one's for you.
Get Back Bradley is an amazingly gripping thriller with the dark secrets of both Bradley and Joseph getting more exciting right from the first page. The story has been very brilliantly narrated with the family drama getting very dramatic as well as emotionally intense too.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is that Bradley and Joseph, both being of twisted personalities, took great care of their families and ensured that they live life comfortably. Joseph and his adventurous life as Shane is very interesting to read.
The dark side of police officer Johnson and also the story of Bradley's son Kano in the later part of the book where he had to go through serious doubts regarding which career to chose and his daring adventures in his youth is very interesting to read.
A gripping thriller, that on surface seemed like a normal crime story, but turned out to be such a good story, I loved it!
The story follows Bradley, someone who's used to getting away with everything. His life takes a turn when he's betrayed by his closest friend, and he has to serve prison time for almost 30 years. He doesn't move on from that, and waits for the right time to take revenge. What follows is a chain of violence, consequences, and a world where trust doesn’t really exist.
I didn't actually like Bradley at first, but I empathized with and understood his circumstances. The story is set in London and explores revenge, loyalty and shows how far can a person go for revenge.
All in all, I really liked the book, the ending was unexpected and it kept me hooked till the end!
This book?? A complete rollercoaster from page ONE! Bradley Brown isn’t your average anti-hero...he’s cold, calculated, and terrifyingly good at what he does: violence.🩸⚔️🖤 He’s a man who’s always gotten away with murder...literally...until his only friend, Joseph Aku, does the unthinkable… betrays him. That’s when everything flips.⏳🧨💔 Now Bradley’s behind bars, but trust me when I say...he’s not done yet. That man’s patience? CHILLING. His revenge? Slow-burning and inevitable.🔥⛓️🧠 Jay Word paints a gritty, raw, and unapologetically violent picture of London’s underbelly...one filled with betrayal, broken loyalties, and twisted justice. The kind where even the police don’t always play clean. 🚔🕵️♂️🔫
Get Back Bradley is all about betrayal and revenge, and it pulls you in pretty quickly. Bradley isn’t someone you “like,” but you still understand him, which made the story feel more real to me. I also liked that it didn’t try to give a perfect redemption ending.
Not a perfect book, but definitely interesting and worth reading if you enjoy crime stories.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.*
This was just. Not a great book. The timeline was strange, it felt all over the place and not cohesive whatsoever. I can definitely tell this was the author’s second book, so there’s still potential. This just wasn’t it for me.